Apparatus for Increasing Core Strength and Improving Balance

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to a training apparatus for increasing core body strength and balance and for providing a repetitive pitching motion exercise for baseball pitchers. The training apparatus comprises a frame structure having a pair of laterally spaced base members for bracing the apparatus on the floor. Each base member is attached to an upright support member that are attached at the top by a lateral connector. A balance pulley is attached to the lateral connector and a balance cord is threaded through the balance pulley. The balance cord has a ball attached to one end and a foot strap attached to the opposite end, such that a user of the apparatus attaches the balance cord foot strap to the non-pivot foot of the user, grabs and extends the ball simulating a throwing motion involving the forward extension of the arm and the forward leaning of the upper body thereby placing the balance cord in tension and lifting the users non-pivot foot and leg upwards towards the balance pulley, thereby forcing the user into a prototypical pitching form. Through repetition, the user strengthens the core muscles, improves balance and increases muscle memory, all in a manner that trains the user to consistently achieve the prototypical pitching form.

BACKGROUND

All baseball pitchers endeavor to achieve the prototypical pitching form which involves a follow-through motion where the head and upper body pivot over the pivot foot towards the ground while the non-pivot foot simultaneously rises from the ground to a height that is ideally higher than the head of the user. Baseball pitchers and trainers use various training methods and exercises to achieve the prototypical pitching form, but there lacks a sufficient training apparatus to increase the core strength, balance and muscle memory necessary to achieve the prototypical pitching form.

There are several prior art references related to baseball and in particular teaching a pitcher how to improve pitching abilities. Representative examples of them can be found in the following patents: Sparks, U.S. Pat. No. 9,227,124, Sparks U.S. Pat. No. 8,672,781, Luke, Jr. U.S. Pat. No. 6,093,120, Williams, U.S. Pat. No. 6,945,883, Williams, U.S. Pat. No. 6,500,078, Hayson, U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,471 and Hurley U.S. Pat. No. 7,338,395. The Sparks patents provide an exercise for strengthening muscles used in the pitching throw. The Williams patents teach a device that will help a pitcher achieve proper foot alignment as the pitcher delivers the pitch. Hayson teaches a method for training and warming up baseball pitchers using a baseball attached to a cord and the pitcher simulating a pitching movement. Hurley teaches a device that trains the pitcher in the appropriate alignment of the legs to give them their direct line during the pitching motion to home plate. None of these patents, however, provide a training apparatus for increasing the core strength, balance and muscle memory at the point of the pitching follow-through which is critical to achieving the prototypical pitching form.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a training apparatus for increasing the core strength, balance and muscle memory at the point of the pitching follow-through which is critical to achieving the prototypical pitching form.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present apparatus is a training and exercise apparatus for increasing core strength and improving balance, and more specifically, to be used by a baseball pitcher in order to achieve the prototypical baseball follow-through form. The training apparatus comprises a frame structure having a pair of laterally spaced base members, each said base member attached to an upright support member that are attached at the top by a lateral connector. The support members are height adjustable in order to raise and lower the lateral connector. A balance pulley is attached to the underside of the lateral connector such that the balance pulley is capable of swiveling and having an adjustable resistance. A balance cord threaded through the balance pulley has a ball attached to a first end and a foot strap attached to the second end. A variable tension wheel is attached to one or more of the base members with a tension cord having a foot strap for attaching to the user's foot.

When in use, the balance cord foot strap and the tension cord foot strap are both attached to the non-pivot foot of a user and the user grabs the ball end of the balance cord and simulates a throwing motion involving the forward extension of the arm and the forward leaning of the upper body thereby placing the balance cord in tension and lifting the users non-pivot foot and leg upwards towards the balance pulley while such upward foot motion is resisted by the tension cord. In this manner the user simulates the throwing motion and achieves the prototypical pitching follow-through. Through repetition, the user exercises the core muscles used in achieving the follow-though motion thereby increasing balance and muscle memory.

While the training apparatus is described specifically for improving the pitching motion, it is not limited thereto and can be used for any purpose in order increase core strength and balance or for stretching the user muscles and increasing flexibility. It has applications in physical and occupational therapeutic purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the principles described herein and are part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims.

FIG. 1 is a drawing showing one use of training apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention described herein.

FIG. 2 is a drawing of the training apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention described herein.

FIG. 3 is a drawing showing an alternative embodiment of the balance cord.

FIG. 4 is a drawing showing one embodiment of the foot strap used in the training apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a drawing of the extension cables of the training apparatus.

FIG. 6(a) is a drawing of the connector of the training apparatus in the closed position.

FIG. 6(b) is a drawing of the connector of the training apparatus in the open position.

FIG. 7 is a drawing for the training apparatus with bowed support members of the frame of the training apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a drawing showing the pivot point of the bowed embodiment of the training apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a drawing showing the bowed embodiment with the pivot point.

FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the training apparatus with a double-wheel pulley, a resistance pulley and a balance handle.

FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the training apparatus with balance handles and a stabilizer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated by those ordinarily skilled in the art that the foregoing brief description and the following detailed description are exemplary (i.e., illustrative) and explanatory of the subject matter as set forth in the present disclosure but are not intended to be restrictive thereof or limiting of the advantages that can be achieved by the present disclosure in various implementations. Additionally, it is understood that the foregoing summary and ensuing detailed description are representative of some embodiments as set forth in the present disclosure and are neither representative nor inclusive of all subject matter and embodiments within the scope as set forth in the present disclosure. Thus, the accompanying drawings, referred to herein and constituting a part hereof, illustrate embodiments of this disclosure, and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain principles of embodiments as set forth in the present disclosure.

In the game of baseball, in order for a baseball pitcher to be effective, it is critical that the pitcher achieve the prototypical pitching form. The apparatus of the present invention is intended to help train a pitcher to achieve the prototypical pitching form. FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a user of the apparatus in the prototypical pitching form. With reference to FIG. 1, the training apparatus comprises a frame structure 100 having a pair of laterally spaced base members 110 for bracing the apparatus on the floor. Each said base member 110 is attached to an upright support member 120 and attached at the top by a lateral connector 130. A balance pulley 140 is attached to the lateral connector and a balance cord 150 is threaded through the balance pulley 140. As shown in FIG. 1, the balance cord 150 has a ball 160 attached to one end and a foot strap 170 attached to the opposite end, such that a user 180 of the apparatus attaches the balance cord foot strap 170 to the non-pivot foot of the user, grabs and extends the ball 160 simulating a throwing motion involving the forward extension of the arm and the forward leaning of the upper body thereby placing the balance cord 150 in tension and lifting the users non-pivot foot and leg upwards towards the balance pulley 140, thereby forcing the user into a prototypical pitching form. Through repetition, the user strengthens the core muscles, improves balance and increases muscle memory, all in a manner that trains the user to consistently achieve the prototypical pitching form.

With reference to FIG. 2, the base members 200, support members 210 and lateral connector 220 of the frame can be constructed with any kind of material capable of providing sufficient support and stability, such as PVC plastic, aluminum, steel or any other type of metal. In one embodiment of the invention, at least one of the base members includes one or more wheels 230 attached thereto such that the frame can be easily moved to and from storage.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the support member 210 may be of a sleeve construction such that the support member is selectively adjustable in height at the sleeve interface 240 for selectively changing the height of the support members 210 and thereby adjusting the height of the lateral connector 220 and thus of the balance pulley 250. In this embodiment, it is advantageous for the based members 200 to be cylindrical. In the preferred embodiment, the support member 210 is selectively detachable from the base member 200 or attached to the base member with a hinged or other pivotable attachment such that the apparatus can be conveniently disassembled or broken-down for efficient packing and storage. With reference to FIG. 7, in one embodiment the support members 710 may be bowed, one in opposite direction to the other.

With reference to FIG. 2, the balance pulley 250 can be any known pulley. In one embodiment, the balance pulley 250 is a single-wheel pulley with an adjustable resistance to increase and decrease the ease with which the balance cord is pulled over the balance pulley, thereby giving the user the opportunity adjust the tension necessary to simulate the throwing motion and thus the difficulty of the exercise. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 the balance pulley is a multi-wheel pulley apparatus 1010 designed to have the balance cord 1020 pass over each of the wheels thereby decreasing the angle of the balance cord from the balance pulley 1010 to the foot of the user and increasing the upward pull of the foot during the throwing motion. In another embodiment the balance pulley apparatus 1010 is designed to count the number of throwing repetitions. In addition, the balance pulley apparatus 250 may have an adjustable resistance feature such that the user can adjust the pulley resistance.

With reference to FIG. 2, the balance pulley apparatus 250 may be attached to the frame by any know attachment means such that it is positioned at the top of the frame. While in the preferred embodiment the balance pulley apparatus 250 is attached to the lateral connector 220, it will be appreciated that the balance pulley apparatus 250 can be attached to the frame 205 in any manner as long as the balance pulley apparatus 250 is at the upper portion of the frame.

The balance cord 208 can be made be any type of known cord or rope, such as a metal cable or a twine rope. In one embodiment, the throwing end 209 of the balance cord 208 is attached to a baseball, it will be appreciated that the throwing end is not limited to a baseball or any other ball, but may be any know means for grabbing such end of the balance cord, such as a handle or a large knot at the end of the balance cord or multiple large knots along the cord. The foot strap end of the balance cord 207 may include a connector interface for attaching the balance cord 207 to an extension cord as shown in FIG. 3. In this embodiment, the foot strap end of the balance cord 207 includes an attachment means whereby an extension cable me be attached to the balance cord in order to selectively adjust the length of the balance cord. In one embodiment, the training apparatus includes multiple extension cords, as shown in FIG. 5, that can be used to increase and decrease the difficulty of the exercise. The extension cord is attached at one end to the balance cord and at the other end to a foot strap of the type shown in FIG. 4. FIGS. 6(a) and (b) show one type of connector that can be used in conjunction with the extension cord, but it should be appreciated that any know type of releasable connector can be used.

With reference now to FIG. 10, in one embodiment of the training apparatus of the present invention, a tension feature is provided involving a tension apparatus 1030 with a tension cord 1040 that is attached to the users foot either by a separate tension foot strap or by attachment to the foot strap 1050 of the balance cord, such that, when in use, the balance cord foot strap 1050 and the tension cord foot strap are both attached to the non-pivot foot of a user and the user grabs the ball end of the balance cord 1020 and simulates a throwing motion involving the forward extension of the arm and the forward leaning of the upper body thereby placing the balance cord 1020 in tension and lifting the users non-pivot foot and leg upwards towards the balance pulley 1010 while such upward foot motion is resisted by the tension cord 1040 which is attached to the tension apparatus 1030. The tension apparatus 1010 may be any know means for providing tension, such as a tension wheel and is attached to one of the base members 1035 as shown. In another embodiment, the tension feature may be any stretchable cord, such as a bungee cord, having one end attached to the foot strap and the other end attached to one of the base members or some other member of the frame.

With continued reference to FIG. 10, the base members 1035, may include attachment means 1045 for attaching accessories to the training apparatus. One such accessory may be a handle for use by the user to steady themselves when using the apparatus. As shown in FIG. 10, a lateral handle shown having one end attached to one of the attachment means 1045 of one of the base members 1035 and the other end attached to one of the attachment means of the other base member 1035. As shown in FIG. 11, another handle 1110 is shown attached to one of the base members. In another embodiment, a handle 1120 is shown attached to one of the support members 1130.

With continued reference to FIG. 11, the training apparatus of the present invention may include a stabilizing system for stabilizing the balance of the user as they use the apparatus in order to prevent the use from falling. The stabilizing system includes a wearable vest 1140 and one or more stabilizing cords 1150 having one end attached to the vest 1140 and the other end attached to the support members 1130 or otherwise to the frame of the training apparatus.

In one embodiment the training apparatus includes a mat to be placed on the ground. The mat includes a foot guide for indicating the correct placement of the pivot foot and, optionally, a balance bubble intended to provide instability to the user when the user places the pivot foot on the balance bubble.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Having thus described the invention of the present application in detail and by reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A training apparatus for increasing core strength and improving balance, said apparatus comprising: A frame structure having a pair of laterally spaced base members, each said base member attached to an upright support member, said support members attached at the top by a lateral connector, said support members being height adjustable in order to raise and lower the lateral connector; A balance pulley attached to the underside of the lateral connector and extending downward, said balance pulley capable of swiveling and having an adjustable resistance; A balance cord threaded through the balance pulley, said cord having a ball attached to a first end and a foot strap attached to the second end; A variable tension wheel attached to one or more of the base members, A tension cord having a first end attached to the tension wheel and a second end with a foot strap, Whereby, when in use, the balance cord foot strap and the tension cord foot strap are both attached to the non-pivot foot of a user and the user grabs the ball end of the balance cord and simulates a throwing motion involving the forward extension of the arm and the forward leaning of the upper body thereby placing the balance cord in tension and lifting the users non-pivot foot and leg upwards towards the balance pulley while such upward foot motion is resisted by the tension cord.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 where the balance pulley is a multi-wheel pulley.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a mat having a foot guide for indicating where a user should place a pivot foot and having a balance bubble for creating instability to the user when performing the exercise.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 where said laterally spaced base members include attachment means for attaching an accessory.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 where the accessory is a balance handle.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a wearable apparatus and one or more stabilizing cords, each said stabilizing cord attached at one end to said frame and having second end adapted to be attachable to the wearable apparatus.
 7. A training apparatus for increasing core strength and improving balance, said apparatus comprising: A frame structure having a pair of laterally spaced base members, each said base member attached to an upright support member, said support members attached at the top by a lateral connector; A balance pulley attached to the lateral connector; A balance cord threaded through the balance pulley, said cord having a grip attached to a first end and a foot strap attached to the second end; Whereby, when in use, the balance cord foot strap is attached to the non-pivot foot of a user and the user, while gripping the grip end of the balance cord, simulates a throwing motion involving the forward extension of the arm and the forward leaning of the upper body thereby placing the balance cord in tension and lifting the users non-pivot foot and leg upwards towards the balance pulley.
 8. The training apparatus of claim 7 where said support members are height adjustable.
 9. The training apparatus of claim 7 where the balance pulley has a variable resistance.
 10. The training apparatus of claim 7 where grip is a baseball attached to the balance cord.
 11. The training apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a variable tension wheel attached to one or more of the base members, and a tension cord having a first end attached to the tension wheel and a second end with a foot strap.
 12. The apparatus of claim 7 where the balance pulley is a multi-wheel pulley.
 13. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a mat having a foot guide for indicating where a user should place a pivot foot and having a balance bubble for creating instability to the user when performing the exercise.
 14. The apparatus of claim 7 where said laterally spaced base members include attachment means for attaching one or more balance handles.
 15. The apparatus of claim 7 further comprising a wearable apparatus and one or more stabilizing cords, each said stabilizing cord attached at one end to said frame and having second end adapted to be attachable to the wearable apparatus. 